Admissions Requirements

Applicants for the Master of Arts in Government, Master of Public Administration, and Certificate of Graduate Studies must possess an earned undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution or an equivalent degree from a foreign university.

Receive $100 off tuition when you enroll for our March 16 session.

Application Deadlines

The dates below indicate when all application materials must be completed to be considered for a particular term. Once all required application materials have been submitted, applicants will receive a decision within 10 business days.

Fall: August 1 | Spring: December 1 | Summer: April 1

Note: The application deadline for international applicants applying to attend on-campus is March 15th.

Note: Army active duty, reserve and national guard members may find detailed information on the application process through GoArmyEd on our GoArmyEd Admissions Guide.

Joint Degree Opportunity with Regent's School of Law

The Robertson School of Government offers a unique opportunity for students to pursue a Joint Degree with the School of Law to obtain a Juris Doctor. Applicants must apply and be accepted to both the School of Law and Robertson School of Government.

Evaluation of Transfer Credit

The Robertson School of Government limits the number of graduate credits accepted by transfer to a maximum of 25 percent of the appropriate program. Review the Transfer Policy.

International Applicants

In addition to the typical admissions requirements, international applicants will need to submit supplementary admissions requirements. These requirements will change depending on several factors such as your citizenship or visa status. For more information, please visit our International Students Admissions page.

Notice: Regent University is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant students.

Notice: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 3: Personal Essay

Submit a brief description (300 words or less) of your professional and career goals and how the Robertson School of Government can help you achieve those goals. This essay can be submitted to the Admissions Counselor via email at: rsgadmissions@regent.edu

Step 4: 400-word Writing Sample

MA and MPA applicants must submit a writing sample which will be evaluated using the ETS Criterion Service. Please submit your writing sample using the directions below.

Choose one of the three writing sample topics provided by clicking on "Start Response." You will be provided with the question pertaining to the topic once you begin the timer for the essay.

Click "OK" to acknowledge you are ready to begin your writing sample.

Read the instructions for submitting your essay. Please keep in mind that you have 40 minutes to complete your writing sample and the timer begins as soon as you click "Start Response." You will receive a warning when there are 10 minutes remaining on the timer.

Step 5: Resume

Step 6: Transcripts

An official transcript indicating successful completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited or approved unaccredited institution should be sent to the Enrollment Support Services Office at the below address. Additional transcripts may be requested on a case-by-case basis.

Step 7: GRE or LSAT Score

Graduate school entrance exams (GRE, LSAT, or MAT) are not required. However, applicants who have taken a graduate school entrance exam are encouraged to have their official scores sent directly to Regent University by the testing agency. Submission of scores may strengthen an application file and may increase access to scholarship opportunities.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

Application Process Instructions—Certificate of Graduate Studies

The Certificate of Graduate Studies offers an excellent opportunity for those not requiring a master's degree. This option is often used by those needing continuing education credits or for those who wish to complement their existing degree with additional training for career advancement. As an added bonus, upon completion of the certificate students have the option of applying to the master's program, and if accepted, all courses taken toward the certificate would transfer in.

Step 1: Complete the Online Application

Certificate program applicants must submit the Online Application. Please be sure to indicate Non Degree or Certificate Program.

If you run into any technical problems please call our IT department at 757.352.4076. If you have any questions regarding the admissions process please contact rsgadmissions@regent.edu

PLEASE NOTE: The Robertson School of Government will not be able to view your application until the $25 application fee is received by the University.

Step 3: Transcripts

A transcript (official preferred but unofficial may be submitted) indicating successful completion of a bachelor's degree should be sent to the Enrollment Support Services Office at the below address. Additional transcripts may be requested on a case-by-case basis.

Step 4: Personal Essay

Submit a brief description (300 words or less) of your professional and career goals and how the Robertson School of Government can help you achieve those goals. This essay can be submitted to the Admissions Counselor via email at: rsgadmissions@regent.edu

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.